,Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
Chapter 1
An Introduction to Sociology
Section Quiz
1.1 What Is Sociology?
1. Which of the following best describes sociology as a subject?
Answer: C
2. C. Wright Mills once said that sociologists need to develop a sociological
________________ to study how society affects individuals.
Answer: B
3. A sociologist defines society as a group of people who reside in a defined area, share a cul-
ture, and who:
Answer: A
4. Seeing patterns means that a sociologist needs to be able to:
Answer: C
1.2 The History of Sociology
5. Which of the following was a topic of study in early sociology?
Answer: B
6. Which founder of sociology believed societies changed due to class struggle?
Answer: B
7. Weber believed humans could not be studied purely objectively because they were influ-
enced by:
Answer: B
1.3 Theoretical Perspectives
8. Which of these theories is most likely to look at the social world on a micro level?
Answer: D
9. Who believed that the history of society was one of class struggle?
Answer: B
10. Who coined the phrase symbolic interactionism?
Answer: A
11. A symbolic interactionist may compare social interactions to:
Answer: D
12. Which research technique would most likely be used by a symbolic interactionist?
Answer: B
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
,Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
1.4 Why Study Sociology?
13. Kenneth and Mamie Clark used sociological research to show that segregation was:
Answer: B
14. What did the Clark's use in their experiment?
Answer: C
15. Studying sociology helps people analyze data because they learn:
Answer: D
16. Berger describes sociologists as concerned with:
Answer: C
17. Berger writes that sociology
Answer: C
Short Answer
1.1 What Is Sociology?
1. What do you think C. Wright Mills meant when he said that to be a sociologist, one
had to develop a sociological imagination?
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Expec- Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Evaluation tations
Criteria Answer does not cor- Answer defines so- Answer may define Answer defines and
rectly define socio- ciological imagina- OR exemplify per- explains concept;
logical imagination; tion but not associ- sonal troubles and defines AND exem-
does not mention ated concepts; at- public issues; attempt plifies personal trou-
associated concepts; tempts to exemplify to interpret Wright’s bles AND public is-
writing is poor and may appear but be meaning without a sues; almost no writ-
contains numerous incorrect; noticeable clear statement of ing errors.
grammatical mistakes writing errors, but not meaning; few writing
and misspellings. enough to impede a errors.
reader’s understand-
ing.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
,Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
2. Describe a situation in which a choice you made was influenced by societal pressures.
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Expec- Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Evaluation tations
Criteria Answer includes no Answer discusses a Answer may discuss Answer clearly de-
mention of specific societal pressure; several societal pres- scribes several forms
societal pressures; attempts to exemplify sures or provide in- of societal pressure;
includes no examples; may appear but ex- depth description of a connects these exam-
writing is poor and amples may be incor- specific societal pres- ples to the concept of
contains numerous rect; noticeable writ- sure; attempt to ex- social facts (or other
grammatical mistakes ing errors, but not emplify may be major introductory
and misspellings. enough to impede a flawed or incomplete; concept); draws spe-
reader’s understand- few writing errors. cific conclusion re-
ing. garding the influence
of these pressures;
includes almost no
writing errors.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
1.2 The History of Sociology
3. What do you make of Karl Marx’s contributions to sociology? What perceptions of Marx
have you been exposed to in your society, and how do those perceptions influence your
views?
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Evaluation Expectations
Criteria Answer does not cor- Answer attempts to Answer discusses Answer defines and
rectly list any of describe Marx’s con- conflict perspective; explains conflict per-
Marx’s contributions; tribution; attempts to attempt to apply con- spective; exemplifies
does not mention exemplify may ap- flict perspective; few a personal opinion
associated concepts; pear but be incorrect; writing errors. towards Marx and
writing is poor and noticeable writing conflict perspective;
contains numerous errors, but not explains origin of
grammatical mistakes enough to impede a personal opinion;
and misspellings. reader’s understand- almost no writing
ing. errors.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
,Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
4. Do you tend to place more value on qualitative or quantitative research? Why? Does
it matter what topic you are studying?
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Evaluation Expectations
Crite- Answer does not Answer attempts to Answer defines and Answer de-
ria correctly define ei- define both con- exemplifies both fines and ex-
ther concept; opin- cepts; attempts to concepts; attempts plains both
ion on preferred exemplify may ap- to explain a prefer- concepts;
method is unsup- pear but be incor- ence on method; few provides
ported; writing is rect; no clear opin- writing errors. clear expla-
poor and contains ion of preferred nation of
numerous grammat- method is devel- why one
ical mistakes and oped;noticeable method is
misspellings. writing errors, but well suited to
not enough to im- a particular
pede a reader’s un- topic; almost
derstanding. no writing
errors.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
1.3 Theoretical Perspectives
5. Which theory do you think better explains how societies operate—structural functionalism
or conflict theory? Why?
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Evaluation Expectations
Criteria Answer does not cor- Answer defines both Answer explains both Answer explains both
rectly define either perspectives; attempts perspectives; devel- perspectives; devel-
perspective; no ex- to explain which per- ops an argument in ops an argument in
planation on which is spective is better are favor of one perspec- favor of one perspec-
better; writing is poor unsupported; notice- tive; few writing er- tive over another;
and contains numer- able writing errors, rors. discusses why the
ous grammatical mis- but not enough to alternate perspective
takes and mis- impede a reader’s is inferior; almost no
spellings. understanding. writing errors.
Point Value 0 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
,Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
6. Do you think the way people behave in social interactions is more like the behavior
of animals or more like actors playing a role in a theatrical production? Why?
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Evaluation Expectations
Criteria Answer does not cor- Answer defines dra- Answer explains both Answer explains both
rectly identify dra- maturgical perspec- perspectives; devel- perspectives; devel-
maturgical perspec- tive and expresses a ops an argument in ops an argument in
tive; there is no clear preference for an ar- favor of one perspec- favor of one perspec-
argument; writing is gument; noticeable tive; provides clear tive over another;
poor and contains writing errors, but not examples in support discusses why the
numerous grammat- enough to impede a of their position; few alternate perspective
ical mistakes and reader’s understand- writing errors. is inferior; provides
misspellings. ing. clear, well-chosen
examples in support
of their opinion; al-
most no writing er-
rors.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
1.4 Why Study Sociology?
7. How do you think taking a sociology course might affect your social interactions?
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Evaluation Expectations
Crite- Answer provides Answer expresses a Answer expresses a Answer expresses a
ria minimal, vague, dis- clear opinion relating clear and well devel- clear and well devel-
organized content; sociology to social oped opinion relating oped opinion relating
writing is poor and interactions; exam- sociology, the influ- sociology, the influ-
contains numerous ples are lacking; no- ence of sociology on ence of sociology on
grammatical mistakes ticeable writing er- the individual and the individual and
and misspellings. rors, but not enough how these influence how these influence
to impede a reader’s social interaction; social interaction;
understanding. provides an example; provides clear, well-
few writing errors. chosen examples in
support of their opin-
ion; almost no writing
errors.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
,Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
8. What sort of career are you interested in? How could studying sociology help you in this ca-
reer?
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Evaluation Expectations
Criteria Answer provides Answer expresses an Answer expresses an Answer expresses an
minimal, vague, dis- understanding of understanding of why understanding of spe-
organized content; which jobs someone sociology prepares cific skills developed
writing is poor and with a sociology de- someone a particular through studying so-
contains numerous gree can obtain; ex- career; provides an ciology; connects
grammatical mistakes amples are lacking; example; few writing those skills to a spe-
and misspellings. noticeable writing errors. cific career; provides
errors, but not enough several examples al-
to impede a reader’s most no writing er-
understanding. rors.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
,Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
Chapter 2
Sociological Research
Section Quiz
2.1 Approaches to Sociological Research
1. The 1st step of the scientific method:
Answer: C
2. A measurement is considered ________if it actually measures what it is intended to
measure, according to the topic of the study.
Answer: C
3. Sociological studies test relationships in which change in one ________ causes change in
another.
Answer: C
4. In a study, a group of ten-year-old boys are fed doughnuts every morning for a week and
then weighed to see how much weight they gained. Which factor is the dependent variable?
Answer: D
5. Which statement provides the best operational definition of “childhood obesity”?
Answer: C
2.2 Research Methods
6. Which materials are considered secondary data?
Answer: B
7. Why is choosing a random sample an effective way to select participants?
Answer: D
8. What research method did John S. Lynd and Helen Merrell Lynd mainly use in their
Middletown study?
Answer: C
9. Which research approach is best suited to the scientific method?
Answer: A
10. The main difference between ethnography and other types of participant observation is:
Answer: D
11. Which best describes the results of a case study?
Answer: B
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
,Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
12. Using secondary data is considered an unobtrusive or ________ research method.
Answer: A
2.3 Ethical Concerns
13. Which statement illustrates value neutrality?
Answer: B
14. Which person or organization defined the concept of value neutrality?
Answer: D
15. To study the effects of fast food on lifestyle, health, and culture, from which group would a
researcher ethically be unable to accept funding?
Answer: A
Short Answer
2.1 Approaches to Sociological Research
1. Write down the first three steps of the scientific method. Think of a broad topic that you are
interested in and which would make a good sociological study—for example, ethnic
diversity in a college, homecoming rituals, athletic scholarships, or teen driving. Now, take
that topic through the first steps of the process. For each step, write a few sentences or a
paragraph: 1) Ask a question about the topic. 2) Do some research and write down the titles
of some articles or books you’d want to read about the topic. 3) Formulate a hypothesis.
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Meets Exceeds
Evaluation Expectations Improvement Expectations Expectations
Criteria Answer does not Answer defines Answer defines Answer defines
correctly define scientific method scientific method scientific method
scientific method; but not associated and most of and associated
does not mention steps; attempts to associated steps; steps; correctly
associated steps; exemplify may attempts to apply applies all steps;
writing is poor appear but be most steps; some almost no writing
and contains incorrect; applications may errors.
numerous noticeable writing be incorrect; few
grammatical errors, but not writing errors.
mistakes and enough to impede
misspellings. a reader’s
understanding.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
2. Explain the correlation between accuracy, validity, and reliability in the research
method?
2.2 Research Methods
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
, Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
3. What type of data do surveys gather? For what topics would surveys be the best
research method? What drawbacks might you expect to encounter when using a survey?
To explore further, ask a research question and write a hypothesis. Then create a survey
of about six questions relevant to the topic. Provide a rationale for each question. Now
define your population and create a plan for recruiting a random sample and
administering the survey.
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Meets Exceeds
Evaluation Expectations Improvement Expectations Expectations
Criteria Answer does not Answer defines Answer defines Answer defines
correctly describe survey research; survey research survey research
survey research; attempts to and explains and explains
does not respond respond to some when it is an when it is an
to follow up follow up appropriate appropriate
questions; writing questions; method; responds method and when
is poor and noticeable writingto follow up it is not; responds
contains errors, but not questions; to all follow up
numerous enough to impede attempts to questions;
grammatical a reader’s provide survey provides specific
mistakes and understanding. questions but survey questions;
misspellings. these may be too almost no writing
vague; few errors.
writing errors.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
4. Imagine you are about to do field research in a specific place for a set time. Instead of
thinking about the topic of study itself, consider how you, as the researcher, will have to
prepare for the study. What personal, social, and physical sacrifices will you have to make?
How will you manage your personal effects? What organizational equipment and systems
will you need to collect the data?
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Meets Exceeds
Evaluation Expectations Improvement Expectations Expectations
Criteria Answer discusses Answer develops Answer develops Answer develops
a topic of study; thoughtful thoughtful thoughtful
does not respond response to most response to most response to most
to follow up follow up follow up follow up
questions; writing questions; questions; one or questions; several
is poor and noticeable writing two examples are well-chosen
contains errors, but not provided but may examples are
numerous enough to impede not be well described in
grammatical a reader’s chosen; few depth; almost no
mistakes and understanding. writing errors. writing errors.
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
Chapter 1
An Introduction to Sociology
Section Quiz
1.1 What Is Sociology?
1. Which of the following best describes sociology as a subject?
Answer: C
2. C. Wright Mills once said that sociologists need to develop a sociological
________________ to study how society affects individuals.
Answer: B
3. A sociologist defines society as a group of people who reside in a defined area, share a cul-
ture, and who:
Answer: A
4. Seeing patterns means that a sociologist needs to be able to:
Answer: C
1.2 The History of Sociology
5. Which of the following was a topic of study in early sociology?
Answer: B
6. Which founder of sociology believed societies changed due to class struggle?
Answer: B
7. Weber believed humans could not be studied purely objectively because they were influ-
enced by:
Answer: B
1.3 Theoretical Perspectives
8. Which of these theories is most likely to look at the social world on a micro level?
Answer: D
9. Who believed that the history of society was one of class struggle?
Answer: B
10. Who coined the phrase symbolic interactionism?
Answer: A
11. A symbolic interactionist may compare social interactions to:
Answer: D
12. Which research technique would most likely be used by a symbolic interactionist?
Answer: B
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
,Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
1.4 Why Study Sociology?
13. Kenneth and Mamie Clark used sociological research to show that segregation was:
Answer: B
14. What did the Clark's use in their experiment?
Answer: C
15. Studying sociology helps people analyze data because they learn:
Answer: D
16. Berger describes sociologists as concerned with:
Answer: C
17. Berger writes that sociology
Answer: C
Short Answer
1.1 What Is Sociology?
1. What do you think C. Wright Mills meant when he said that to be a sociologist, one
had to develop a sociological imagination?
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Expec- Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Evaluation tations
Criteria Answer does not cor- Answer defines so- Answer may define Answer defines and
rectly define socio- ciological imagina- OR exemplify per- explains concept;
logical imagination; tion but not associ- sonal troubles and defines AND exem-
does not mention ated concepts; at- public issues; attempt plifies personal trou-
associated concepts; tempts to exemplify to interpret Wright’s bles AND public is-
writing is poor and may appear but be meaning without a sues; almost no writ-
contains numerous incorrect; noticeable clear statement of ing errors.
grammatical mistakes writing errors, but not meaning; few writing
and misspellings. enough to impede a errors.
reader’s understand-
ing.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
,Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
2. Describe a situation in which a choice you made was influenced by societal pressures.
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Expec- Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Evaluation tations
Criteria Answer includes no Answer discusses a Answer may discuss Answer clearly de-
mention of specific societal pressure; several societal pres- scribes several forms
societal pressures; attempts to exemplify sures or provide in- of societal pressure;
includes no examples; may appear but ex- depth description of a connects these exam-
writing is poor and amples may be incor- specific societal pres- ples to the concept of
contains numerous rect; noticeable writ- sure; attempt to ex- social facts (or other
grammatical mistakes ing errors, but not emplify may be major introductory
and misspellings. enough to impede a flawed or incomplete; concept); draws spe-
reader’s understand- few writing errors. cific conclusion re-
ing. garding the influence
of these pressures;
includes almost no
writing errors.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
1.2 The History of Sociology
3. What do you make of Karl Marx’s contributions to sociology? What perceptions of Marx
have you been exposed to in your society, and how do those perceptions influence your
views?
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Evaluation Expectations
Criteria Answer does not cor- Answer attempts to Answer discusses Answer defines and
rectly list any of describe Marx’s con- conflict perspective; explains conflict per-
Marx’s contributions; tribution; attempts to attempt to apply con- spective; exemplifies
does not mention exemplify may ap- flict perspective; few a personal opinion
associated concepts; pear but be incorrect; writing errors. towards Marx and
writing is poor and noticeable writing conflict perspective;
contains numerous errors, but not explains origin of
grammatical mistakes enough to impede a personal opinion;
and misspellings. reader’s understand- almost no writing
ing. errors.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
,Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
4. Do you tend to place more value on qualitative or quantitative research? Why? Does
it matter what topic you are studying?
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Evaluation Expectations
Crite- Answer does not Answer attempts to Answer defines and Answer de-
ria correctly define ei- define both con- exemplifies both fines and ex-
ther concept; opin- cepts; attempts to concepts; attempts plains both
ion on preferred exemplify may ap- to explain a prefer- concepts;
method is unsup- pear but be incor- ence on method; few provides
ported; writing is rect; no clear opin- writing errors. clear expla-
poor and contains ion of preferred nation of
numerous grammat- method is devel- why one
ical mistakes and oped;noticeable method is
misspellings. writing errors, but well suited to
not enough to im- a particular
pede a reader’s un- topic; almost
derstanding. no writing
errors.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
1.3 Theoretical Perspectives
5. Which theory do you think better explains how societies operate—structural functionalism
or conflict theory? Why?
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Evaluation Expectations
Criteria Answer does not cor- Answer defines both Answer explains both Answer explains both
rectly define either perspectives; attempts perspectives; devel- perspectives; devel-
perspective; no ex- to explain which per- ops an argument in ops an argument in
planation on which is spective is better are favor of one perspec- favor of one perspec-
better; writing is poor unsupported; notice- tive; few writing er- tive over another;
and contains numer- able writing errors, rors. discusses why the
ous grammatical mis- but not enough to alternate perspective
takes and mis- impede a reader’s is inferior; almost no
spellings. understanding. writing errors.
Point Value 0 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
,Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
6. Do you think the way people behave in social interactions is more like the behavior
of animals or more like actors playing a role in a theatrical production? Why?
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Evaluation Expectations
Criteria Answer does not cor- Answer defines dra- Answer explains both Answer explains both
rectly identify dra- maturgical perspec- perspectives; devel- perspectives; devel-
maturgical perspec- tive and expresses a ops an argument in ops an argument in
tive; there is no clear preference for an ar- favor of one perspec- favor of one perspec-
argument; writing is gument; noticeable tive; provides clear tive over another;
poor and contains writing errors, but not examples in support discusses why the
numerous grammat- enough to impede a of their position; few alternate perspective
ical mistakes and reader’s understand- writing errors. is inferior; provides
misspellings. ing. clear, well-chosen
examples in support
of their opinion; al-
most no writing er-
rors.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
1.4 Why Study Sociology?
7. How do you think taking a sociology course might affect your social interactions?
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Evaluation Expectations
Crite- Answer provides Answer expresses a Answer expresses a Answer expresses a
ria minimal, vague, dis- clear opinion relating clear and well devel- clear and well devel-
organized content; sociology to social oped opinion relating oped opinion relating
writing is poor and interactions; exam- sociology, the influ- sociology, the influ-
contains numerous ples are lacking; no- ence of sociology on ence of sociology on
grammatical mistakes ticeable writing er- the individual and the individual and
and misspellings. rors, but not enough how these influence how these influence
to impede a reader’s social interaction; social interaction;
understanding. provides an example; provides clear, well-
few writing errors. chosen examples in
support of their opin-
ion; almost no writing
errors.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
,Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
8. What sort of career are you interested in? How could studying sociology help you in this ca-
reer?
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Improvement Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Evaluation Expectations
Criteria Answer provides Answer expresses an Answer expresses an Answer expresses an
minimal, vague, dis- understanding of understanding of why understanding of spe-
organized content; which jobs someone sociology prepares cific skills developed
writing is poor and with a sociology de- someone a particular through studying so-
contains numerous gree can obtain; ex- career; provides an ciology; connects
grammatical mistakes amples are lacking; example; few writing those skills to a spe-
and misspellings. noticeable writing errors. cific career; provides
errors, but not enough several examples al-
to impede a reader’s most no writing er-
understanding. rors.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
,Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
Chapter 2
Sociological Research
Section Quiz
2.1 Approaches to Sociological Research
1. The 1st step of the scientific method:
Answer: C
2. A measurement is considered ________if it actually measures what it is intended to
measure, according to the topic of the study.
Answer: C
3. Sociological studies test relationships in which change in one ________ causes change in
another.
Answer: C
4. In a study, a group of ten-year-old boys are fed doughnuts every morning for a week and
then weighed to see how much weight they gained. Which factor is the dependent variable?
Answer: D
5. Which statement provides the best operational definition of “childhood obesity”?
Answer: C
2.2 Research Methods
6. Which materials are considered secondary data?
Answer: B
7. Why is choosing a random sample an effective way to select participants?
Answer: D
8. What research method did John S. Lynd and Helen Merrell Lynd mainly use in their
Middletown study?
Answer: C
9. Which research approach is best suited to the scientific method?
Answer: A
10. The main difference between ethnography and other types of participant observation is:
Answer: D
11. Which best describes the results of a case study?
Answer: B
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
,Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
12. Using secondary data is considered an unobtrusive or ________ research method.
Answer: A
2.3 Ethical Concerns
13. Which statement illustrates value neutrality?
Answer: B
14. Which person or organization defined the concept of value neutrality?
Answer: D
15. To study the effects of fast food on lifestyle, health, and culture, from which group would a
researcher ethically be unable to accept funding?
Answer: A
Short Answer
2.1 Approaches to Sociological Research
1. Write down the first three steps of the scientific method. Think of a broad topic that you are
interested in and which would make a good sociological study—for example, ethnic
diversity in a college, homecoming rituals, athletic scholarships, or teen driving. Now, take
that topic through the first steps of the process. For each step, write a few sentences or a
paragraph: 1) Ask a question about the topic. 2) Do some research and write down the titles
of some articles or books you’d want to read about the topic. 3) Formulate a hypothesis.
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Meets Exceeds
Evaluation Expectations Improvement Expectations Expectations
Criteria Answer does not Answer defines Answer defines Answer defines
correctly define scientific method scientific method scientific method
scientific method; but not associated and most of and associated
does not mention steps; attempts to associated steps; steps; correctly
associated steps; exemplify may attempts to apply applies all steps;
writing is poor appear but be most steps; some almost no writing
and contains incorrect; applications may errors.
numerous noticeable writing be incorrect; few
grammatical errors, but not writing errors.
mistakes and enough to impede
misspellings. a reader’s
understanding.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
2. Explain the correlation between accuracy, validity, and reliability in the research
method?
2.2 Research Methods
This file is copyright 2021, Rice University. All Rights Reserved.
, Introduction to Sociology 3e. Instructor Answer Guide
3. What type of data do surveys gather? For what topics would surveys be the best
research method? What drawbacks might you expect to encounter when using a survey?
To explore further, ask a research question and write a hypothesis. Then create a survey
of about six questions relevant to the topic. Provide a rationale for each question. Now
define your population and create a plan for recruiting a random sample and
administering the survey.
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Meets Exceeds
Evaluation Expectations Improvement Expectations Expectations
Criteria Answer does not Answer defines Answer defines Answer defines
correctly describe survey research; survey research survey research
survey research; attempts to and explains and explains
does not respond respond to some when it is an when it is an
to follow up follow up appropriate appropriate
questions; writing questions; method; responds method and when
is poor and noticeable writingto follow up it is not; responds
contains errors, but not questions; to all follow up
numerous enough to impede attempts to questions;
grammatical a reader’s provide survey provides specific
mistakes and understanding. questions but survey questions;
misspellings. these may be too almost no writing
vague; few errors.
writing errors.
Point Value 0 1 2 3
Assume rating/grading scale for the question ranges from 0 to 3 points.
4. Imagine you are about to do field research in a specific place for a set time. Instead of
thinking about the topic of study itself, consider how you, as the researcher, will have to
prepare for the study. What personal, social, and physical sacrifices will you have to make?
How will you manage your personal effects? What organizational equipment and systems
will you need to collect the data?
Rubric:
Rating/ Fails to Meet Needs Meets Exceeds
Evaluation Expectations Improvement Expectations Expectations
Criteria Answer discusses Answer develops Answer develops Answer develops
a topic of study; thoughtful thoughtful thoughtful
does not respond response to most response to most response to most
to follow up follow up follow up follow up
questions; writing questions; questions; one or questions; several
is poor and noticeable writing two examples are well-chosen
contains errors, but not provided but may examples are
numerous enough to impede not be well described in
grammatical a reader’s chosen; few depth; almost no
mistakes and understanding. writing errors. writing errors.
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